The ABC's National Rural Reporter, Brett Worthington, is the recipient of the 2018 European Union-Qantas Journalist Award, one of Australia's most prestigious journalism prizes.

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EU-Qantas Journalism Award

Mr Worthington won the award after submitting a detailed proposal about the European Union's (EU) geographical indications (GI) system. GIs are a key part of the ongoing EU-Australia free trade negotiations.

The award is in its 26th year and is open to Australian journalists with more than three years working experience in print or electronic media. Qantas, which has been partnering with the EU since the inception of this prize, provides a business class fare for the travelling journalist.

EU Ambassador to Australia, Michael Pulch, and representatives from Qantas and the National Press Club presented the award today at a European Australian Business Council reception in Sydney for nine visiting Members of the European Parliament.

"This award allows an Australian journalist to travel to Europe and explore in depth an issue of their choice," Ambassador Pulch said. "GIs is an excellent subject because it will be a major focus for the EU in the trade negotiations with Australia. The EU experience is that GIs generate higher farmgate prices, increase food and wine related tourism in regional areas and protect niche producers from imposters selling inferior products.

"The EU believes GIs would significantly benefit Australians who are passionate about their unique products while also building rural and regional economies."

The EU media team in Canberra and Brussels will assist Mr Worthington in devising a 10 day working visit to Europe early in 2019. He will visit EU institutions in Brussels and also travel to Italy and Greece to investigate the benefits of GIs for rural and regional communities.